Global Pulse

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  • In surprise move, Spain to grant legal status to thousands of immigrants lacking permission

    In surprise move, Spain to grant legal status to thousands of immigrants lacking permission

    In a landmark policy shift, Spain’s government has unveiled plans to grant legal residency and work rights to an estimated 500,000-800,000 undocumented immigrants currently living within its borders. The extraordinary measure, announced by Migration Minister Elma Saiz following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, represents a direct challenge to the increasingly restrictive immigration policies adopted by the United States and many European nations.

    The reform will be implemented through an expedited decree, bypassing parliamentary gridlock that had stalled similar legislation. To qualify, immigrants must have arrived in Spain before December 31, 2025, provide evidence of at least five months’ residence, and demonstrate a clean criminal record. Successful applicants will receive legal residency status for up to one year alongside official work authorization.

    Minister Saiz hailed the decision as “historic,” noting that the initiative primarily benefits Latin American and African migrants who form the backbone of Spain’s agricultural, tourism, and service sectors. Their contributions have become increasingly vital to the nation’s expanding economy, yet many have remained trapped in societal shadows without legal protections.

    The policy emerged from a last-minute political agreement between the ruling Socialist Party and the left-wing Podemos party, securing parliamentary support for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration. The move surprised observers but was immediately celebrated by migrant rights organizations and Catholic associations that had collected 700,000 signatures supporting similar measures.

    With applications expected to open by April, Spain solidifies its status as an outlier in global migration policy. While other nations tighten borders and asylum rules—often inspired by the Trump administration’s approach—Spain’s leadership continues to champion immigration’s economic benefits, having already welcomed millions of legal migrants from South America and Africa in recent years.

  • Ukrainians battle harsh winter after Russia targets energy infrastructure

    Ukrainians battle harsh winter after Russia targets energy infrastructure

    Millions of Ukrainian civilians are confronting a severe humanitarian crisis as a brutal winter sets in, following a sustained campaign of targeted strikes on the nation’s critical energy infrastructure. With thermometers consistently registering at approximately -15°C (5°F), the destruction of power generation and distribution facilities has precipitated widespread blackouts, depriving entire cities of essential heating and electricity.

    The strategic offensive against Ukraine’s energy grid has resulted in a catastrophic degradation of basic services. Urban centers, including the capital Kyiv, are experiencing rolling blackouts, compelling residents to seek refuge in emergency shelters and rely on communal heating points established by local authorities. The systematic nature of the attacks has hampered repair efforts, leaving utility crews struggling to restore even minimal functionality against the backdrop of ongoing security threats.

    This energy warfare has profound implications beyond immediate discomfort. The disruption affects vital medical services, water supply systems, and telecommunications, creating a cascading effect on public health and safety. International aid organizations are ramping up efforts to deliver generators, warm clothing, and essential supplies, yet the scale of the need vastly outstrips the current response. The situation exemplifies a new dimension of modern conflict, where civilian comfort and survival are directly targeted to apply strategic pressure during winter months.

  • Sweden aims to lower age of criminal responsibility to 13 as gangs recruit children

    Sweden aims to lower age of criminal responsibility to 13 as gangs recruit children

    The Swedish government is advancing controversial legislation to reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for severe offenses, responding to what Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer characterizes as an ’emergency situation’ with criminal networks exploiting minors. The proposed measure specifically targets grave crimes including murder, attempted murder, aggravated bombings, serious weapons offenses, and aggravated rape, with potential prison sentences for convicted offenders.

    This initiative follows alarming data from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention showing a doubling in offenses linked to suspects under 15 over the past decade. The center-right government, elected in 2022 on an anti-crime platform, had previously considered lowering the age to 14 based on a 2023 inquiry before opting for the more drastic reduction to 13.

    Despite government assertions that the measure addresses ‘cynical exploitation’ of children by gangs, the proposal faces substantial opposition from law enforcement, judicial, and child welfare authorities. Critics including police, prison officials, and prosecutors warn the change might inadvertently draw even younger children into criminality. The prison and probation service expressed concerns about detention facilities being ill-equipped for juvenile offenders and potential violations of children’s rights.

    The legislation has sparked heated debate about appropriate responses to youth criminality. Opponents like local authority head Fredrik Hjulström argue the proposal lacks factual foundation and represents political maneuvering ahead of September’s general election, advocating for care-based approaches instead of punishment. Lawyer Johan Eriksson concurred that while intervention is necessary, lowering the age threshold might produce counterproductive outcomes.

    The bill now proceeds to Sweden’s Council on Legislation for review before parliamentary consideration, with potential implementation as early as summer 2024 if approved.

  • US-China ties in 2026: scholars see window for stability amid fragility

    US-China ties in 2026: scholars see window for stability amid fragility

    Academic experts specializing in international affairs have presented a nuanced assessment of Sino-American relations for the coming year, identifying both stabilizing factors and underlying vulnerabilities in the bilateral relationship. The analysis emerged during a recent virtual symposium organized by the Institute for China-America Studies, where scholars examined the geopolitical landscape following significant developments throughout 2025.

    David Kang, who holds the Maria Crutcher professorship in international relations at the University of Southern California, expressed measured optimism, noting that the current state of affairs has surpassed earlier expectations. This cautiously positive outlook follows a year that witnessed five substantial trade negotiation rounds and a consequential summit in Busan, South Korea, which resulted in a temporary suspension of tariff escalations.

    The Trump administration’s recently published National Security Strategy provided additional context for the discussion. The document notably emphasized economic engagement across Asia while refraining from characterizing China as an existential national security threat—a significant departure from conventional Washington foreign policy rhetoric.

    Robert Sutter, professor of practice at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, highlighted President Trump’s distinctive approach to China relations, describing it as fundamentally “transactional” rather than ideologically driven. This methodology leverages access to the enormous American consumer market as diplomatic capital to negotiate bilateral agreements more favorable to United States interests.

    However, Professor Kang offered a more circumspect perspective regarding American influence in Asia, suggesting that regional trends continue to move in concerning directions. He characterized the public displays of diplomatic engagement from Asian allies as “performative flattery” that masks deeper efforts to establish regional networks as protection against potential American policy volatility.

    The Taiwan question emerged as a critical flashpoint in the discussions. The United States’ approval of an unprecedented $11 billion arms package to Taiwan in late 2025—the largest single authorization to date—contrasted with the National Security Strategy’s reaffirmation of established policy without explicit endorsement of the One-China principle.

    Bucknell University Professor Zhu Zhiqun described the arms sales as a “problematic approach” that contributes to relationship fragility. He characterized the current bilateral dynamic as a “negative equilibrium” sustained not by mutual benefit or shared values but by reciprocal capacity for economic harm through mechanisms including tariff impositions, technology controls, and commodity restrictions.

    Despite these challenges, Liu Yawei, senior China advisor at the Carter Center, projected optimism for 2026, suggesting that stability on the Taiwan issue could produce stabilizing effects across the entire US-China relationship, ultimately benefiting the international community at large.

  • Journalists invited to cover the 2026 two sessions

    Journalists invited to cover the 2026 two sessions

    China has officially commenced media accreditation procedures for the upcoming 2026 ‘Two Sessions,’ the nation’s most significant annual political gathering. According to a joint announcement from the National People’s Congress Committee and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, the media center in Beijing will become operational on February 27th in preparation for the events.

    The political calendar confirms the Fourth Session of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee will convene on March 4th, followed by the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) commencing on March 5th. Official statements emphasize that journalistic coverage will incorporate diverse methodologies, with particular priority given to on-site reporting.

    International media representatives currently stationed in China must submit their accreditation requests directly to the press center. Correspondents based overseas may apply through Chinese diplomatic missions in their host countries or via visa agencies authorized by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Journalists from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions should process applications through the central government’s liaison offices in their respective territories, while Taiwanese reporters must coordinate through the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office.

    The application portal will remain accessible until February 3rd, with comprehensive information available through official channels at www.npc.gov.cn and www.cppcc.gov.cn. These parallel sessions represent China’s paramount political event, convening national legislators and political advisors to examine government and judicial performance reviews, deliberate critical socioeconomic policies, and formulate legislative amendments concerning national development and citizen welfare.

  • ‘One Battle After Another’ leads the pack in nominations for UK’s BAFTA film awards

    ‘One Battle After Another’ leads the pack in nominations for UK’s BAFTA film awards

    LONDON — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts unveiled its nominations for the 2026 awards season, positioning Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged action thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ as the frontrunner with an impressive 14 nominations. The film received recognition across major categories, including five acting nods for its ensemble cast.

    Ryan Coogler’s blues-infused vampire epic ‘Sinners’ followed closely with 13 nominations, while Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean family tragedy ‘Hamnet’ and Josh Safdie’s ping-pong odyssey ‘Marty Supreme’ each secured 11 nominations. The Norwegian family drama ‘Sentimental Value’ rounded out the Best Film category alongside these contenders.

    In the competitive Best Leading Actor category, Robert Aramayo garnered recognition for his portrayal of a man with Tourette’s syndrome in ‘I Swear,’ competing against Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’), Leonardo DiCaprio (‘One Battle After Another’), Ethan Hawke (‘Blue Moon’), Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’), and Jesse Plemons (‘Bugonia’).

    The Leading Actress race features favorite Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’) against Rose Byrne (‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’), Kate Hudson (‘Song Sung Blue’), Chase Infiniti (‘One Battle After Another’), Renate Reinsve (‘Sentimental Value’), and Emma Stone (‘Bugonia’).

    Notably, The Associated Press received a nomination in the Best Documentary category for Mstyslav Chernov’s harrowing Ukraine war portrait ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka,’ co-produced by AP and PBS Frontline.

    The awards ceremony, scheduled for February 22 in London with actor Alan Cumming hosting, traditionally serves as a significant indicator for Hollywood’s Academy Awards on March 15. This year presents an unusual sequence with Oscar nominations announced first, where ‘Sinners’ set a record with 16 nominations followed by ‘One Battle After Another’ with 13.

    The British academy demonstrated its distinctive perspective by recognizing several performers overlooked by the Oscars, including supporting actor nominees Paul Mescal (‘Hamnet’) and Odessa A’zion (‘Marty Supreme’). The BAFTAs maintain their British focus through a separate category for Best British Film, with nominees including ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island,’ ‘Pillion,’ ‘I Swear,’ and ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.’

    Voting procedures involve 8,500 U.K. industry professionals selecting most winners, while the Rising Star Award remains determined by public vote from a shortlist featuring Infiniti, Aramayo, ‘Sinners’ star Miles Caton, and British actors Archie Madekwe and Posy Sterling.

    The nominations reflect ongoing diversity initiatives implemented after 2020, when no women were nominated for Best Director for the seventh consecutive year and all 20 acting nominees were white. Currently, Zhao stands as the sole female nominee in the Best Director category alongside Anderson, Safdie, Coogler, Yorgos Lanthimos (‘Bugonia’), and Joachim Trier (‘Sentimental Value’). Across all categories including documentaries and shorts, 25% of directing nominees are women.

  • EU steps in to make sure Google gives rivals access to AI services and data

    EU steps in to make sure Google gives rivals access to AI services and data

    BRUSSELS — The European Union has initiated formal proceedings against tech giant Google to ensure compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), specifically targeting the company’s artificial intelligence services and data sharing practices. The executive arm of the 27-nation bloc announced on Tuesday the opening of specification proceedings to verify whether Google is providing rival AI companies and search engines with equitable access to Gemini AI services and essential data.

    The European Commission’s action focuses on two primary concerns: whether Google is granting third-party AI developers “equally effective access to the same features” available through its proprietary services, and whether competing search engines are receiving fair and reasonable access to Google Search data, including eligibility for AI chatbot providers.

    This regulatory move represents the EU’s latest effort to enforce its landmark digital competition rules, designed to prevent dominant tech platforms from leveraging their market position to disadvantage smaller competitors. The proceedings, which must conclude within six months, could result in draft measures imposed on Google’s operations.

    Google’s Senior Competition Counsel Clare Kelly responded with concerns about the procedure, stating that Android’s open design already facilitates Search data licensing to competitors under DMA requirements. Kelly warned that additional rules “driven by competitor grievances rather than consumer interests” could potentially compromise user privacy, security, and technological innovation.

    Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission overseeing competition affairs, emphasized the EU’s commitment to ensuring that the current technological transformation benefits from “an open and fair playing field, not tilted in favor of the largest few.”

    This development intensifies regulatory pressure on Google, which already faces ongoing antitrust scrutiny from EU authorities regarding potential unfair advantages gained through using online content for its AI models and services.

  • The new blue frontier: How the Gulf is reimagining water

    The new blue frontier: How the Gulf is reimagining water

    The Arabian Gulf is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its relationship with water, evolving from mere survival strategy to strategic economic advantage. With approximately 50-60% of global desalination capacity concentrated within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the region has established itself as the undisputed center of the world’s desalination industry, producing roughly 40% of all desalinated water worldwide.

    This technological dominance forms the backbone of national infrastructure, with desalination providing 90% of Kuwait’s drinking water, 86% of Oman’s, and approximately 70% of Saudi Arabia’s supply. The Kingdom, home to massive complexes like Ras Al-Khair, stands as the world’s largest producer of desalinated water by volume, while the UAE maintains the largest installed capacity in the Arabian Gulf.

    The scale of ambition is demonstrated by a monumental $100 billion investment commitment to expand desalination capacity by 37% over the next five years. This represents one of the most comprehensive water-security initiatives globally, transitioning from energy-intensive thermal systems to more efficient reverse-osmosis technologies that integrate more effectively with renewable energy sources.

    Beyond infrastructure, GCC nations are pioneering what they term the ‘blue economy’—the sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth while preserving marine health. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 allocates significant resources toward coastal and marine assets, including next-generation projects like NEOM’s Oxagon, a planned floating industrial city featuring dedicated blue economy zones spanning approximately 10 square kilometers.

    Innovation ecosystems are emerging across three primary domains: low-carbon desalination technologies, advanced water reuse and circular systems, and digital water management platforms utilizing AI and predictive analytics. The UAE’s partnership with the XPRIZE Foundation on a $119 million Water Scarcity competition seeks breakthrough technologies that could transform global water security.

    Environmental considerations remain paramount as expansion continues. Regional policymakers are implementing protective measures including brine valorization (converting waste into valuable minerals), stricter discharge standards, and blended conservation finance. These safeguards address concerns about marine ecosystem impacts, particularly in semi-enclosed bodies like the Arabian Gulf.

    The GCC’s accumulated expertise positions it advantageously for global export opportunities as climate stress intensifies worldwide. Countries including Jordan and Morocco are launching major desalination initiatives, creating opportunities for Gulf-based firms like ACWA Power to supply technology, capital, and operational knowledge to water-stressed markets from North Africa to South Asia.

    This strategic reimagining of water represents a fundamental shift in economic thinking—transforming a historical deficit into a platform for growth, diversification, and global leadership in an era where ‘blue gold’ may rival the economic importance of hydrocarbons.

  • From Pax Silica to water security: What was discussed at US-UAE economic policy dialogue

    From Pax Silica to water security: What was discussed at US-UAE economic policy dialogue

    In a significant demonstration of strengthened bilateral relations, the United States and United Arab Emirates convened their eleventh Economic Policy Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2026. The high-level meeting, co-chaired by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State, and Jacob Helberg, US Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, yielded substantial advancements across multiple strategic sectors.

    The dialogue reaffirmed the UAE’s position as America’s premier trade partner in the Gulf region—a distinction maintained for nearly two decades—while highlighting the substantial US trade surplus with the Emirates. Central to discussions was the UAE’s reaffirmed commitment to channel $1.4 trillion into the US economy over the coming decade, cementing its status as Washington’s most significant regional economic ally.

    Trade metrics revealed impressive growth, with total non-oil commerce surpassing $38 billion by 2024. Preliminary 2025 data indicated continued expansion, with first-half bilateral trade reaching $19.3 billion—a 3.4% year-on-year increase—particularly benefiting American energy, aviation, and technology industries.

    Strategic technological collaboration featured prominently, with both nations endorsing the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership established during President Trump’s May 2025 visit. This framework enables US companies to export advanced AI semiconductors to approved Emirati entities while implementing enhanced security protocols. The partnership has already catalyzed substantial Emirati investment into American AI infrastructure, research centers, and cloud architecture.

    Attention focused on the developing five-gigawatt AI campus in the UAE, poised to become the world’s largest such facility outside the United States. Both parties explored additional cooperation in quantum computing, genomics, and space exploration through a proposed Science and Technology Agreement.

    Supply chain security emerged as a critical priority, with officials discussing operationalization of the US-led Pax Silica Declaration—which the UAE formally joined on January 14, 2026. This initiative aims to establish secure, innovation-driven supply chains for AI-era technologies. Both nations also reiterated support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), emphasizing port and rail capacity enhancements.

    The dialogue extended to financial cooperation, including counter-illicit finance measures, sanctions coordination, and the anticipated 2026 launch of the UAE-US Treasury Engagement Framework. UAE representatives welcomed the US Treasury’s Known Investor pilot program for CFIUS processes.

    Environmental sustainability gained prominence as Al Hajeri announced UAE’s co-hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal. Both delegations expressed commitment to exploring cooperation among I2U2 nations (India, Israel, UAE, US) in energy security, critical minerals, and water security.

    The comprehensive discussions spanned investment, trade, intellectual property, tourism, digital economy, emerging technologies, energy, transportation, and infrastructure, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the US-UAE economic partnership and their shared commitment to global economic stability.

  • Days after a disputed election, Uganda’s army is on the hunt for opposition leader Bobi Wine

    Days after a disputed election, Uganda’s army is on the hunt for opposition leader Bobi Wine

    KAMPALA, Uganda — A dramatic political cat-and-mouse game unfolds in Uganda as opposition leader Bobi Wine continues to evade military capture for over a week, exposing deepening tensions within the nation’s political landscape. The 43-year-old musician-turned-politician, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been hiding since the disputed January 15 presidential election that returned President Yoweri Museveni to a seventh term.

    In a recently circulated video recorded from an undisclosed location, Wine appeared in his family graveyard in central Uganda, openly mocking Army Chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—the president’s son and presumed successor—for failing to locate him. ‘The whole army is looking for one person. It’s now coming to 10 days but they have failed to find me,’ Wine declared in the footage shared on social media platform X. ‘That means they are not as strong as they tell you.’

    The election itself was marred by technical failures and government restrictions, including an internet shutdown and malfunctioning biometric voter identification systems intended to prevent ballot manipulation. Official results gave Museveni 71.6% of the vote, a outcome Wine has vehemently rejected.

    The confrontation escalated dramatically when Ugandan soldiers raided Wine’s residence the day after the election, only to find the opposition leader had already gone underground. The situation intensified further on January 23 when soldiers conducted another raid on Wine’s home on the outskirts of Kampala, resulting in his wife Barbara Kyagulanyi being hospitalized with anxiety and bruises. She described to journalists how masked soldiers broke doors and windows, physically assaulting her while demanding information about her husband’s whereabouts.

    Gen. Kainerugaba, who has developed a reputation for posting inflammatory tweets that he frequently later deletes, has taken responsibility for the raid but denies any mistreatment of Wine’s wife. The army chief has publicly labeled Wine a coward, ‘baboon,’ and ‘terrorist,’ claiming the opposition leader is wanted for criminal offenses—though government spokespersons simultaneously assert Wine is not actually wanted and may return home freely.

    The very public feud between Wine and the president’s son has raised concerns among Ugandans about potential unrest. Wine commands substantial support among urban youth frustrated with government corruption, limited economic opportunities, and four decades of uninterrupted rule under Museveni. The 81-year-old leader, a long-time U.S. ally, has accused the opposition of attempting to incite violence during the electoral process.

    As the standoff continues, Wine urges his followers to ‘do whatever is possible without breaking the law’ to demonstrate government vulnerabilities, highlighting what he characterizes as ‘family rule’ where ‘the ruling family is always above the law.’ The situation remains fluid, with many fearing that any escalation could trigger broader civil unrest in a nation that has historically been a haven for refugees fleeing violence elsewhere in the region.